[Illustration: Poison-hemlock, poison-parsley
_Conium maculatum--UMBELLIFERAE_]
=Description=: A biennial weed with leaves resembling those of parsley,
dark green, finely divided, with shiny under surfaces. The plant is
found in gardens, fields, and along roadsides, and reaches up to
5 feet, or more, in height. Roots resemble those of the parsnip.
When crushed, both fresh leaves and roots yield a juice with a
characteristic odor of the parsnip. Occasional purplish spots are found
on the hollow stems.
The very small white flowers and grayish-green fruits are borne on
umbrella-like stalks. The tiny fruits upon close examination have
flattened inner surfaces. They also look somewhat like fruits of the
anise, _Pimpinella anisum_.
=Poisonous Parts=: The leaves and fruits during flowering contain an
intensely poisonous principle, =coniine=, and other related alkaloids.
Older roots are also poisonous. Hemlock poisoning first causes a
burning sensation in the mouth and throat followed by muscular
weakness, stupor, and paralysis of the arms and chest. Poisonous
principles act on the spinal cord and brain causing respiratory failure
and death.
The poisonous hemlock juice was employed by ancient Greeks as a means
of capital punishment. Socrates and other celebrities are said to have
met death by this means. Accidental poisoning has occurred in modern
time by mistaking the conium for parsley, parsnip, or anise plants.
=Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians perform
gastric lavage as soon as possible. Treat for alkaloid poisoning and
maintain respiration.